Get Your Student Ready for Success: The Complete Back-to-School Supply Checklist for 2024

As the 2024-2025 school year approaches, parents and students are gearing up for one of the most important shopping seasons of the year. Parents and caregivers are expected to spend nearly 23% more on back-to-school supplies in 2024. That’s up from a 15.7% increase in back-to-school spending from 2022 to 2023. It’s also significantly more than the inflation rate, which has hovered below 4% in 2024. With costs rising, it’s more important than ever to shop smart and focus on the essentials that will truly set students up for academic success.

Why the Right Supplies Matter for Student Success

To do well in school, students must have all of the necessary supplies. Students can’t buy their own supplies, which means, at least to a certain extent, their success is dependent on their parents. The right tools can make all the difference in a student’s educational journey, from helping them stay organized to fostering creativity and independence.

Whether your student is entering kindergarten, elementary school or heading back for another year of high school, the right school supplies shopping and school uniforms make all the difference. A smooth and organized back-to-school transition sets the tone for academic success—and we’re here to help make that happen.

Essential Supplies by Grade Level

Elementary School (K-5)

Elementary students need supplies that support both learning and creativity. Elementary, or grade-school as some call it, is where younger children practice the building blocks of their educational future. Kids in elementary school will often learn with fun craft projects and have plenty of play-time for learning social skills, so the back-to-school essentials are geared more toward art supplies.

Key elementary supplies include:

Age-appropriate pencils (#2 pencils for older elementary, thicker pencils for younger children)
Safety scissors and glue sticks
Washable markers, crayons, and colored pencils
Construction paper and notebooks
Folders and binders for organization
A properly-sized backpack

Middle School (6-8)

Middle school is a huge leap in responsibility. Many kids have multiple teachers for the first time, changing classrooms throughout the day. Some will have lockers and need to swap books and supplies between classes. All this juggling and multi-tasking requires organization and time management tools.

Middle school essentials include:

Multiple notebooks and folders for different subjects
Planners or agenda books
Mechanical pencils and pens
Calculators (as required by teachers)
Highlighters for studying
Sturdy backpack with multiple compartments

High School (9-12)

High schoolers often have more responsibilities as academics and extracurricular activities become more demanding and future planning comes into play. Organization is key to balancing it all. These high school supplies are designed for multi-tasking teenagers.

High school students need:

Subject-specific notebooks and binders
Scientific and graphing calculators
Quality pens and mechanical pencils
Index cards for studying
Laptop or tablet (if not provided by school)
Professional-looking backpack or laptop bag

Universal Essentials for All Students

Typical back-to-school supply lists include notebooks, folders, pencils, pens, crayons or markers, erasers, glue, scissors, and a backpack. Some schools also require headphones, calculators, or specific art supplies—so be sure to check your school’s list.

Regardless of grade level, every student needs:

A quality backpack that fits properly
Reusable water bottle
Lunch box or bag
Hand sanitizer and tissues
Basic first aid supplies
Comfortable, appropriate clothing

Money-Saving Shopping Strategies

With rising costs, smart shopping is essential. In 2024, 68% of back-to-school shoppers plan around retail sale events like July 4 and Labor Day. Here are proven strategies to save money:

Shop office supply stores. Office retailers like Office Depot and Staples stock many of the same products for significantly lower prices than department stores. You can find big deals on basics like paper, pens and pencils, folders, and organizers.

Hit the dollar store. You can get a good portion of your basics for less than $1 each at stores like Dollar General, The Dollar Store, and 99 Cent Store. Think pens, pencils, markers, crayons, glue, folders, stickers, notepads and notebooks, lunch bags and boxes, and snacks.

Additional money-saving tips include:

Shopping early to take advantage of sales
Buying in bulk for commonly used items
Reusing supplies from previous years when possible
Looking for sales tax holidays in your state

Where to Find Quality Supplies in Northern Virginia

For families in the Northern Virginia area, finding a reliable source for educational supplies is crucial. School & Office Annex has been a trusted resource for everything you need to fuel learning and success, both at home and in the workplace! Since 1990, we’ve been a proud pillar of the Woodbridge and Lake Ridge communities, providing a convenient one-stop shopping experience for teachers, students, busy professionals, and creative minds alike.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Beyond basic supplies, consider these often-overlooked items that can enhance your student’s success:

Headphones for digital learning
External battery pack for devices
Blue light glasses for screen time
Comfortable desk chair for homework
Good lighting for study areas
Storage solutions for bedroom organization

Planning for Success

To do that, advanced planning is key, along with hunting around for deals on the most-needed supplies. But that means knowing the necessary school supplies in advance. Start your back-to-school shopping early, focus on quality items that will last throughout the year, and don’t forget to check with your child’s school for any specific requirements.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to check items off a list—it’s to equip your student with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. With the right supplies and a little planning, you can set your child up for their most successful school year yet. From functional necessities to fun accessories, the right gear can make all the difference in starting the year off on the right foot. Here are the top 8 back-to-school supplies for 2024, guaranteed to keep your student organized, prepared, and stylish all year long.

Essential Back-to-School Supply Checklist for 2024: What Every Student Needs for Success